Comandante Armando Tola International Airport - Flight Information and Guide (FTE)

Comandante Armando Tola International Airport serves El Calafate in Argentine Patagonia, about 23 km from the city center.

It is the most convenient access point to Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing, and to Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO heritage site.

Content verified on 04/09/2026

Official source: www.aeropuertoelcalafate.com/en

How to get to Comandante Armando Tola International Airport

El Calafate city centre is about 23 km from the airport: transfer takes approximately 25-30 minutes by taxi or Aerobús shuttle.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach El Calafate city center in approximately 25-30 minutes.

By Train

The railway does not reach this airport.

By Bus

The Aerobus connects the airport to all hotels in the city for about 4,000 pesos: purchase the ticket at the counter inside the terminal, not outside, to avoid unauthorized intermediaries.

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Tips Aerobús can also arrange pickup for your return flight by calling 24 hours in advance: a convenient option if you don't want to rely on a taxi.

Average travel time to FTE

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus25-30 minutes (about 4,000 pesos)

Taxi / Private hire25-30 minutes (4,800 pesos fixed rate)

Parking near Comandante Armando Tola International Airport

The parking, not large, is positioned in front of the terminal.

Rates are generally affordable.

How to get to El Calafate from FTE

By Train

The airport is not connected by any railway line.

By Bus

Aerobús connects the airport to all city hotels (approximately 4,000 pesos), tickets purchased at the official counter inside the terminal.

By Taxi

Taxis charge a fixed rate of approximately 4,800 pesos to the city center; payment accepted in cash (Argentine pesos) or card, sometimes with an electronic payment surcharge.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Comandante Armando Tola International Airport

Major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, making it useful for exploring Patagonia independently.

You only need a valid driver's license, passport, and credit card to rent a car.

Hotels near Comandante Armando Tola International Airport

The Comandante Armando Tola airport is about 20 km from the small centre of El Calafate, connected only by shared shuttles and taxis, with no urban bus lines: it usually takes 20-25 minutes. Here you still sleep in town, because the Perito Moreno glacier remains about 80 km away, too far to spend the night there. Within El Calafate the choice is between the central core, a few steps from the lakefront and the restaurants on Avenida del Libertador, and the hotels on the hill at the edge of town, with views over Lake Argentino but needing a shuttle to reach the centre.

City centre

El Calafate

There are no scheduled buses from the airport: you arrive by shared shuttles timed to flight arrivals or by taxi, in about 20-25 minutes for the roughly 20 km to town.

Best for: Those visiting the Perito Moreno glacier as a day trip and spending the night in town, the only sensible option given the distance from the park.

Pros

The central core on Avenida del Libertador is explored on foot, among restaurants and shops
The hotels on the hill offer views over Lake Argentino with a short internal shuttle

Cons

The Perito Moreno glacier remains about 80 km away, a half-day excursion regardless of the hotel chosen
The hotels on the hill require the hotel shuttle to reach the restaurants and shops downtown

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is the primary air gateway to Perito Moreno Glacier and Los Glaciares National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Patagonia.

Shopping & Duty Free

An area features Patagonian handicrafts and local products.

Lounges & relaxation

The airport provides a reasonable number of lounges for business passengers.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi covers the main public areas of the airport.

Families & Children

Families traveling with children find essential support in the waiting lounges.

Terminal guide

The terminal is appropriately sized for the strong tourist traffic toward Glacier National Park.

The recommended buffer time before boarding for flights is 2–2.5 hours.

Map of Comandante Armando Tola International Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Why is the Perito Moreno Glacier special?

It is one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing rather than retreating, with spectacular ice calving into Lake Argentino visible from the panoramic walkways.

Q. Is the Aerobús or a taxi better from the airport?

The Aerobús is generally cheaper and convenient, with tickets available directly at the counter inside the terminal; the taxi has a slightly higher fixed fare but offers a direct service.

Q. Do I need to bring cash in pesos?

Yes, it is strongly recommended: card terminals can have signal problems, and cash avoids any surcharges for electronic payment.

Q. What climate should I expect right after landing in El Calafate?

Expect cold, windy Patagonian weather even at the height of the austral summer: always dress in layers, especially if you head straight to the Perito Moreno Glacier, where the wind can be very intense.